On Saturday, amid a nationwide day of action for immigration reform, California Gov. Jerry Brown signed eight bills that ease conditions for undocumented immigrants in the state. Among them was the "TRUST Act," which prevents law enforcement from unduly detaining undocumented immigrants who have not committed serious crimes. He also approved a measure last week that would give undocumented immigrants the right to apply for drivers licenses.

Other bills singed include one that allows undocumented immigrants to be admitted to the California Bar Association, and another allowing community colleges to exempt undocumented students from being charged non-resident tuition if they are attending part-time. It seems the government shutdown and continued Congressional inaction on immigration reform did not deter Brown from making landmark decisions on immigrant rights in his own state.